Happy holidays from warhawk talons who's bringing you chapter 21 as an early Christmas gift. Please continue to support the story.

Disclaimer: As always I don't own any of the material used in the story and all Source material is owned by its respective company.

I'm also giving a shout out to one of my reviewers, dannyrockon122 who assisted me in my future story The Black Widow.

The rise of NightFox

Chapter 21: The preliminary rounds final, a month of training begins.

Tower of Death

Kiba with akamaru by his side entered the arena with Enko standing across from them. "Okay. The last time I fought a Hayabusa Ninja my chakra was sealed off and I charged in recklessly, I need to make sure not to make the same mistake again. I don't have any information on her other than what Shikamaru told me about her fighting like a wild bear. Also from observing the other fights I at least know that she specializes in Ki and not chakra, so she most likely has something strong up her sleeve. That's not much to go on but it well have to do, so the best course of action will be for me and akamaru to engage your head on with Beast mimicry and save Fang over Fang for later."

"Let the match begin!" The ref hayate said beginning the match.

"Ninja Art: Beast mimicry!" Kiba appearance began to take a feral like state as his nails grow longer and fangs grow sharper as he went on all four. Akamaru who took a soldier pill began to turn red and did a transformation turning into Kiba with the same feral expression.

"Wow, you aren't taking any chances are you?" Enko said as she suddenly had to dodge to avoid Kiba's dashing attack. As she landed back she had to dodge again as akamaru came at her from the right and soon found herself avoiding attacks from side-to-side as the boy and dog team kept up their assault. Knowing she couldn't Dodge forever she decided to put up her mitts in a boxing defense as both Kiba and akamaru delivered a claw strike to her front pushing her back almost losing her balance.

"I can't believe it...he actually pushed her back?" Naruto said impressed at how fast Kiba and akamaru are. He turned to see that Ayane was not the least bit worried and asked what was on her mind.

"It will take more than that to bring Enko down. In fact she hasn't even started fighting yet." Then suddenly the purple haired kunoichi begin to sweat a bit. "I can't help but pity that guy and his dog."

"Why?"

"Because Enko likes fighting wild people the most." Ayane replied.

The girl in question only smiled as Kiba and akamaru try to double team her again only for her to grab both of them by the neck and give them a sharp tooth grin. "You both fight like wild dogs...good. Because I never met a wild animal I couldn't put down!" Enko then threw both Kiba and his ninja hound back causing them to land on their feet to recover. As Kiba was regaining his footing his eyes widened as he saw Enko's mittens suddenly morph into what appear to be bear claws as Enko began to crouch down on all four with a feral look on her face.

"Wha...What the hell-" Before he could finish his sentence Enko charged right at him with her now bear claws sparking with yellow lightning. Not wanting to be on the receiving end Kiba dodges left. When Enko's attack connected to the ground it released the Shockwave that pushed Kiba further left than he wanted. Akamaru went in to attack with his claws only to be blocked by Enko's bear mittens, she then retaliated by grabbing akamaru and with great force threw him at Kiba who tried to catch his dog but got pushed back with great force after catching akamaru.

"Holy! What the heck's gotten into her?!" Naruto said what was probably on most of the leaf Village ninjas mines. One minute Enko was acting normal and the next thing she goes completely crazed like a bear who just got disturbed during winter.

"Its her feral instinct leaking out." Tsuru stated getting Naruto's attention with the others listening in as she continued. "Have you guys ever heard of the family in the land of lightning called Guilford?"

"They were a family that owned an animal sanctuary where they hold and raise exotic animals almost like a zoo." Danki answered before pulling up an article on his laptop. "7 years ago they took a vacation on a cruise liner from the Haran Bay, to the Kanashii ocean. The cruise was supposed to start from the land of Frost and end at the land of tea and then back around. Unfortunately when the ship made it to the land of tea the kuma family were nowhere to be found and were presumed dead and their Animal Sanctuary business fell apart." This left a few of the genin speechless before Ryu decided to take over.

"The Guilford family was kidnapped during the cruise and was taken off the ship at they're halfway point near the land of noodles. Enko manage to escape the kidnappers but unfortunately her parents didn't and she was left in the wilderness for two years."

"Two Years?!" Ino and Sakura yelled. Neither of them couldn't handle being away from civilization for more than a week even with proper supplies, How could a young girl manage to survive for two years without human resources?

"How old was she when it happened?" Naruto asked.

"She was 5 years old when it happened." Tsuru answered before continuing. "2 years after the event our village was hired to investigate a weird disturbance that was happening in the forest near a town in the land of noodles, an older ninja and myself were sent to investigate. People claimed it was an onikuma demon attacking Hunters and scaring trespassers. When we made it there we found Enko crazed, acting like a wild beast in the form of a 7 year old girl. I literally had to fight her as my Superior at the time used that moment to restrain her and calm her down." Tsuru explain remembering her first encounter with Enko. It was her first scouting mission and she definitely wasn't expecting to fight a kid her age completely gone feral. "Let's hope that she manages to stay just animalistic, because if pushed too far she'll go completely berserk crazed."

"What happened next?" Was Naruto's next question.

Pulled out of her thoughts Tsuru continued. "She had no other family members so we decided to take her back with us and try to bring her back to Human sanity. It took months but we finally managed to get her to talk and act human again and that was no easy feat. We told her that she could go back to the land of lightning or stay with us, you can obviously see what she chosed."

"Why would she choose to stay and not go back to her Homeland where she could possibly continue living a normal life again." Sakura asked wanting to know.

"I asked her that myself. She said there was nothing left of her old self to go back there." She replied. Her attention soon returned to the match.

Kiba was still dodging her bear strikes while trying to attack her where she defended with her claws blocking his attacks entirely. "I can't land a solid hit on her! Akamaru! It's time for man-beast taijutsu combo!"

"Arff!" The ninja hound replied.

Kiba along with Akamaru began to spin like drills. "Fang over Fang!" The two began to charge at the Hayabusa kunoichi who only did a forward jump towards them and spin around graciously as if she was using the air current around them to avoid their attack entirely. Enko wasn't done yet, once she landed she quickly turned around and delivered another Shockwave paw at the inuzuka Duo hitting both with each arm pushing them away into the wall. This in turn caused akamaru to lose his transformation as the poor dog struggle to get up with Kiba just as dazed. "Akamaru!" Kiba said managing to walk over to akamaru before falling on his knees clearly her attack had some paralyzing side effects just not that strong. "She's way stronger than I thought, one more like that and neither of us will be getting back up! Akamaru, we got to make our next attack count. You know what that means?"

"Arff!" Akamaru replied. The ninja Hound then jumped on Kiba as he entered in all four stand before making a tiger seal.

"Alright! Chakra resonate!" Both Kiba's and akamaru's chakra resonated infused with each other. "Fang cut Fang!" They both began to spend into a larger twister then their separate ones, and aim themselves straight at Enko with great speed.

With no time to dodge she had no choice but to hold her claws out and block. Once they collided Sparks were literally flying as the feral girl was now being forced back little by little as she was trying to hold back the Duo's combined attack. "If this keeps up I won't be able to hold them back with just my Ki! Looks like I have no choice but to use 'him'. I just hope my instincts don't take over this time." Enko gloves suddenly became bright yellow as weird yellow marks began to cover her arms and make a strange pattern on her face while her eyes glowed yellow. "ROAARRR!" In one large Roar a flash of light emerge along with a huge impact sound blinding the specktators vision's as a large smoke engulfed the battlefield.

"Enko? Did it really have to come to using Atlas?" Ryu said while covering his eyes due to the large impact of dust. When he unsealed his eyes him and the rest of the spectators look back at the match. When the smoke cleared Kiba and Akamaru were unconscious with Enko still standing breathing hard, however. Standing behind her was a yellow glowing spirit bear with the same weird markings that were on Enko. Soon enough the bear faded away along with the markings. "Looks like she was able to keep control of herself and not give in to her instincts, otherwise I would have had to step in and stopped the match."

With Enko being declared the winner Kiba and akamaru were stretched off to the Infirmary. Enko manage to walk back up the stairs to join our team before sitting down while still breathing hard from her match with Kiba.

"You still with us Enko?" Doshu asked giving Enko a bottle of water.

Drinking nearly all of the water Enko gasp before speaking. "Yeah...I'm still here. I didn't expect him to force me to use my guardian spirit, I wanted to save him for later."

"What was that?" Ino said in shock. "She just summoned some kind of bear."

"That Ino, was a guardian spirit." Asuma answered, when asked what that is he began to give a similar explanation to what Ryu told Naruto.

"I wonder who else here has a Spirit on their side." Ino wondered out loud.

The next match was Neji vs Unagi. When the two enter the Arena, Unagi came in using his sword with Neji dodging the strike with no effort and soon countered with a few gentle fist strikes pushing him back. "Give up. This match is completely pointless." Neji stated.

"Wow, the match just started and you're already declaring yourself the winner. Someone's a bit cocky." Unagi replied. "Too bad Hibachi ended up getting the Kote otherwise I could have ended this flight by now. Oh well, I still have this trump card but I was saving it for 'him'." he suddenly activated his chakra sword making his blade bigger. He wasn't done yet as to play the suddenly began to spark and turn to yellow lightning. "I was saving this technique for the devil but you'll make a good testing dummy for when I use it on him!" Unagi in a quick swing downward Unleashed a blast of lightning aiming straight for Neji.

Instead of dodging Neji just put up his two fingers and when the lightning attack reached him the attack was suddenly absorbed into neji's two fingers, he quickly put his two fingers in front of his right hand which he was doing the same hand sign and with one quick Trust of that right hand launch the attack right back at Unagi who had no time to Dodge as he got Zapped full force rendering him unconscious. "Well if that was it I could say the devil had nothing to worry about." Neji said smogged knowing that he would win in the end.

"Did he just redirect lightning?" Sakura said flabbergasted as were some of the other spectators.

"Its a technique that Neji picked up on our field trip to Hong Kong a year ago." Lee explained. "We were visiting a tea shop when this old man that ran the place was teaching this technique to his nephew and Neji manage to memorize the technique."

"To be able to use a technique like that just from witnessing someone else do it just shows how much of a genius Neji is." Tenten further explained as Neji walk back up.

Danki however was curious about something. "Who was unagi talking about? Before he launched his attack he said something about wanting to use it on a devil."

"He was preferring to the devil of the Hidden leaf." Shikamaru answered. "He's some guy that beat up our former Academy instructor and is now beating up Bandits outside of our village."

Suzumebachi who was still on Shino's shoulder found herself interested in the conversation. "I've heard of someone going by that name. What does he look like."

Before anyone could try to give whatever description they have Danki decided to speak up. "Is he around the height of one of you guys, where's a black coat with a hood that seems to block off his face with matching black pants and gloves, carrying two escrima sticks one white and one black?"

"Yeah?...How do you have such a good description of this guy? The only description anyone ever got of him was from Unagi and he was very hysterical at the time." Ino asked. This also got the attention of the other Leaf ninja including Naruto considering this was a conversation about him.

"Its because the chief was saved by the same guy." Dizzy began. "Two genin were picking on poor Denki here to get him to do something bad. When he refused and they were going to get hostile with him, that was when this hooded guy came from behind and started taking them down like they were nothing."

"I think I heard something like that from one of my customers from the flower shop. Those two were dismissed as Shinobi for their actions." Ino said remembering the gossip that she heard.

"So what happened next? Did that brute do anything to you afterwards?" Sakura said still not liking the thought of a vigilante near her Village.

"No. He didn't hurt me at all, instead he helped me up and asked if I was okay. After confirming that I was okay he told me to go home and tell my parents of what happened and file a report in the morning, and I did just that." Danki explained letting them know that the hooded figure was not a threat to him.

Before they could continue their discussion the screen was done shoveling. The next match is Araya vs Doshu.

"It's finally my turn." Doshu said wasting no time jumping off the railing to the arena.

"You know what to do Araya." The black spider sensei advised.

Araya nodded. "Right." Soon him and the Hayabusa Ninja enter the arena staring each other down. "Are you anxious to fight as I am, Hayabusa Ninja?"

"I be lying if I said I didn't, spider Ninja." Doshu replied.

"Let the match begin!" Leaf Village hayate announced.

No sooner than that the two young ninjas pulled their signature weapons out and clashed with one another. Araya's being a sword that doubled as a spear when merge with it's sheath, Doshu's was a hidden wrist blade that doubled as a back grip dagger that was on his left hand. Once they broke out of their stalemate Araya went in with a few slashes with his long sword where Doshu was constantly dodging before quickly rushing past him docking under his left swing. Quickly turning around he went for one of his throwing stars only to find that his shuriken pouch was missing. "What the!?" Just then he heard a 'woo-hoo' and look to see that Doshu has his pouch in his hand and quickly throws it behind him.

"Not cool man!" The spider ninja complained.

"I'm just taking every legal edge I can, and there's nothing that says I can't disarm you of your weapons." Doshu mock a bit.

"That's true. So allow me to return the favor!" At a quick pace, Araya shot a web line from his risk grabbing his opponents pouch and pulled it away from him before Doshu could react. "How you like that?!"

"I think Marvel Studios is going to sue somebody." Doshu replied.

"Just because they own Spider-Man that doesn't mean that a person can't use web shooters, in fact we ones gave them a thank you note for giving us the idea. Besides you're one to talk, Ubisoft should sue you for wearing that hidden blade." The spider ninja countered.

"This is a real historical weapon. So technically they don't own it." Counter Doshu.

"Can you two stop fooling around and get back to fighting!" Tsuru and Suzume both complained from the stands.

"Sorry!" They both said before continuing their fight. As they continued on The Spectators couldn't help but notice just how in sync their movement was to their attacks and counter attacks leaving no real openings for the other to exploit. Just then Doshu pulled back and started throwing what seem to be playing cards which Araya deflected very easily either squatting them away or dodging them entirely. Soon enough he sheath his sword to it spear end sheath and in a quick twirl went on the attack deflecting even more cars before delivering a pull swing throwing Doshu over towards the wall. "Did you really think you could beat me with a bunch of cards? I mean they don't really make a good substitute for shurikens."

As Doshu was getting up he had a glowing red outline. "Yeah, I know. But my friend Nezumi prefers playing cards over throwing stars." Just then the cards began to glow before combusting into flames, each one turning into a fiery rat making Sakura and Ino freak out a bit. The many rats began to circle around the spider Ninja as he tried to attack them only for them to watch on to him. "Now Hi-Nezumi! Time for fireworks!" And with that the rats exploded. When the attack subsided Araya was rendered unconscious with his clothes slightly burned. "Considering they were just cards the attack wasn't lethal enough to kill anyone." The sneak Thief explained letting them know he had no intent to kill his opponent.

"The winner is Doshu." Hayate declared.

"Was that also a guardian spirit Kakashi sensei?" Sakura asked.

"Yes, and by the looks of it it was a fire based one. Other than that I say he won his match without revealing too much about his technique." Kakashi explained. "Other then that, I can't help but feel his opponent wasn't giving it his all ether."

"Hey Kakashi, what did we miss?" Yoruichi asked as she and Hinata returned after said girl recovered enough.

"Well,...Naruto, Hibachi, and Neji who won their matches however Kiba lost his." Kakashi explained.

"K-Kiba and akamaru lost?" Hinata said surprised and saddened that her teammate didn't make it.

"Kiba may have lost but him and akamaru did put up a good effort against Enko, they even managed to push her back to the point that she had trouble standing." Naruto said explaining how Kiba and akamaru didn't back down even when the odds were against them.

"That still doesn't change the fact that those two lost. So there's no need to praise them on their effort." Neji interrupted bringing his two cents into it.

"Hey Neji, no one here asked for your opinion." Naruto said not liking neji's attitude.

"A lost is a lost and there's no reward for second place in reality. I'm actually surprised you and Hinata manage to win even when your opponent's should have been way out of your league." Neji continue to belittle them.

"Get lost or get hit hyuga, because those there are fighting words."

"And what if they are?" Neji said giving an arrogant smirk.

Naruto only looked at him before turning away. "Your so lucky I can't hit you now otherwise I could get disqualified." Naruto said although notably irritated.

"Smart move." The hyuga Prodigy replied. Just then he received a slight Chop on the head and look to see it was Unohana giving him a disapproving look.

"Neji if I told you once I've told you a dozen times to watch your attitude towards others." Lecture Unohana. "Anyway the next match is about to begin." She said bringing their attention to the screen.

The next to match was Gaara vs Dosu. Them being the last genin of their representing villages neither one of them could afford to lose. The sound ninja attempted to end this as soon as possible. When he was at least one centimeter away from striking Gaara his hand was caught by his Sand Shield. Seeing this as an opportunity Dosu Unleashed a sonic boom which head Gaara square in the face.

"I got him!" Dosu boasted only to be shocked of what he saw the next.

There was a cracking noise where Gaara lifted his head truth revealed a crazed smile freaking some people out soon enough the sand began to reform bringing the stoic face Gaara back.

"An armor of sand?" Said a surprised Naruto.

Gaara then made his counter-attack by throwing sand at dosu who was too slow to react then began to cover the sound ninja until he was completely covered. Gaara then held his hands out. "Die...Sand burial!" The sand then began to harden until it completely crushed Dosu killing him instantly making Gaara the winner. Some people were a bit frightened and uneasy seeing Gaara brutally kill the sound Ninja. Naruto for some reason couldn't help but feel there was something odd about the chakra radiating from Gaara, something that felt familiar, but decided to think on that later.

Soon enough the next match was revealed and it was Lee vs. koinzell. Koinzell took off his hood revealing his long ears and blond hair. This got the attention of few girls.

"I was expecting that guy to look scarier but he looks pretty cute in a scary way." Ino said looking at Koinzell's appearance.

"Sasuke is still 10 times hotter!" Sakura said completely ignoring the faint blush that she had.

Hinata seeing Koinzell's face again couldn't help but blush a second time seeing it. Yoruichi seem to notice this. "Oh my. You see something you like Hinata?" The freelance Ninja said teasing the young girl who can only say 'No it's nothing!' as her response. She then notice the nervous look on Tenten's face and asked what was the matter.

"A part of me was hoping that wasn't the same person that my graduating class encountered a year ago." Tenten answered and she went on to explain how her team and the rest of the graduates of last year went to Hong Kong in the other nations. They were visiting a temple when suddenly they were attacked by Koinzell while their chakra was sealed off.

"So you went through the same test that Unohana sensei put us through." Sakura said getting a yes. "So you must know something about this guy and what his capable of then." Tenten looked a bit nervous while Neji just looked away angered by a past memory. "What's wrong?"

"Well you see...when we faced off against Koinzell he was in doubt ably the strongest opponent we have ever faced. He took each of our graduating class down until it was just my team against him then Soon enough he beat us as well." Tenten explained the events of that day to Sakura who was shocked to hear that.

"I'm not sure who to root for here? I respect Lee considering he's a hard worker, but Koinzell helped me out in the forest." Naruto said looking at both participants. "Ether way, something says this is going to be a very good fight."

"Yes! It is now my time to show my flames of you!" Lee granted before leaping from the catwalk and into the arena with doing the same. "Its good to see you again Koinzell, I am happy I get to fight you this time unrestrained."

Koinzell just looked at Lee unfazed. "I liked your old attire better, at first you look like a martial artist but now you just look like you belong in a circus."

"My new attire is my symbol of my undying respect for Guy sensei!" Lee proclaimed.

"It must take real deep loyalty to be willing to go around wearing something like that, but then again you're a weird person." Koinzell said massaging his neck. "Oh well, I can just hope that you're appearance isn't the only thing that's changed, otherwise I won't be able to enjoy this fight."

"Just wait and see!" Lee said getting into his fighting stance

After a few coughs hayate began to speak. "If you're both ready you may begin!"

Everyone watched as Lee unleashed his taijutsu skills on Koinzell who reflected the attacks with his hand. Lee went for his signature moves like Leaf whirlwind to Leaf hurricane only for Koinzell to block or dodge them almost effortlessly. He then grabbed Lee's ankle did a good quick spin and threw him towards the wall but Lee managed to get back up soon after. "So you've got a little bit faster and learned a few new fighting techniques. No offense but I feel underwhelmed." Koinzell said taking out a shuriken that then began to glow with some weird black, white and gray energy. Without warning he threw the throwing star right at Lee who had to dodge. This soon became a battle of Lee dodging Koinzell energy Stars while trying in vain to reach him.

From the catwalk Sakura and the others were observing the match. "Why is Lee only using taijutsu? It's already proven to be ineffective against the spider ninjas defense he needs to start getting some distance and use some Ninjutsu to counter his attacks."

Tenten then had a worried look on her face before speaking. "Its not that Lee won't use ninjutsu. It's just that he can't."

"What!?" Sakura yelled.

"Lee has practically no Ninjutsu or genjutsu capabilities." Guy explained.

This left Sakura shocked. "A-Are you joking!? How has he lasted this long as a ninja?"

"To be honest I don't know, Hack I'm not very good with most Jutsu myself. People said it was probably because me and Lee were born in the outer Nations and aren't related to ninjas from the hidden leaf, so there were no parents we could inherit natural chakra from." Tenten explained.

"You guys are from the outer Nations?" Sakura said surprised she must of haven't heard Hinata when she said her cousin had two teammates from China.

"Yeah, were from China." Tenten answered.

"Lee may not have Ninjutsu or genjutsu, but that only meant he could focus all of his effort into becoming one of the greatest taijutsu users of all time! Also he still has one thing that he exceeds even Neji in." Guy then look towards Lee. "Lee! It's time to stop holding back! Take the weights off!"

"Yes sir!" In that instant lee jump to the tiger seal statue and took off some weights that were under his leg warmers and drop them.

"I wonder how much those weights weigh?" Naruto wondered as he witnessed the two weights creating a large impact.

"A lot apparently." Ayane said as she and Naruto sweat dropped and what they saw.

"Don't you think that's a bit over doing it guy?" Kakashi said also in a sweat drop.

"Now go get'em Lee!" Guy announced. And in that instantly went on the attack dodging another energy shuriken aimed at him. He appeared around Koinzell who tried to attack him with an elbow strike only to disappear in that instant, he then sensed him back in his front and try to attack but the find him gone again. Lee then appeared in several other places before finally appearing right in front of him and gave him a full-on Haymaker right to his face punching him a few feet before falling to the ground.

"Way to turn this around Lee!" Tenten cheered.

"Wow? It's rare for anyone to hit koinzell like that?" Suzumebachi said observing the match.

"If Lee keeps this up he'll definitely win this, and that will be another spider ninja down!" Sakura said happy to see Lee getting the upper hand.

However she heard the tiny giggling of Suzume. "If you think this is the first time Koinzell has dealt with someone of this speed, you'll be in for a rude awakening soon."

As Koinzell was getting up Lee was running around him in a circle before reappearing below him to kick him in the air. Once high enough Lee appeared behind him and tied him with his bandages to perform another one of his signature moves. "Primary Lotus!" The spinning attack went straight downward causing a crate impact, out of the smoke came Lee who landed catching his breath while leaving most of the participants Breathless. "That should do it." Before Lee could relax he heard something from behind him and look to see another glowing shuriken coming out. With no time to waste he quickly Dodge to the side fortunately the shuriken went off and he was blasted with the weird kinetic energy that pushed him to the side.

"Lee!" Sakura called out.

"Where did that shuriken come from?" Naruto wondered as he what where the projectile originate from and was shocked and what he saw. "How'd he get over there so fast?"

Everyone look to see what Naruto was talking about and found themselves speechless as well. They're on the fire seal hand sign statue was koinzell who is no longer wearing his cloak you can now see he was wearing a sleeveless black tunic and on his arms were two black fingerless gauntlets with metal braces on the knuckles, around his waist where dual scythes that look to be folded. But what shocked them the most what's the fact that he didn't seem injured at all, as if the primary Lotus didn't do anything to him. "But if he's over there, what did Lee sent plummeting to the ground?" Tenten said and looking at the crater only to see that it was the cloak that koinzell was wearing.

"Did he use substitution at the last minute to avoid the attack?" Lee said getting up before he can make another move his opponent appeared right in front of him with his right hand on his chest. "He just moved at the exact same speed as I did a few moments ago!"

"My turn." Koinzell said as black and white Sparks began to surround him and a Ninpo Circle appeared beneath them. "Ninpo; Art of Inazuma." Almost instantly a bioelectric current erupted electrocuting Lee. The long-eared ninja wasn't done yet as he turned his open Palm into a sideway fist and with a quick 'Ho!' Released a Ki pulse which sent Lee flying impacting the wall.

"LEE!" Guy, Tenten, and Sakura yelled seeing the bushy browd Ninja sent flying.

"I can't believe it?" Naruto said seeing what transpired. "I was expecting Koinzell to be strong, but I didn't think he was this strong!?" He then began to hear movement within the cloud of smoke. "Looks like Lee isn't done just yet."

Back to the fight, Lee emerged from smoke covered in some yellow outlight. "That was close. A second slower and I wouldn't have been able to endure that."

"You took a page out of Ranga's book and covered yourself in Chi in order to survive my attack." Koinzell said sounding impressed. "To be able to use the primary Lotus with such speed and precision, while also manipulate Chi to such a good extent are not easy feats to pull off. Feats like those takes hard work and talent." Koinzell said in admiration.

"Lee talented? how absurd." Neji scuffed off.

"However as much as I like to see what else you got I'm fin to end this now. Your run in this exam ends here Lee." Koizell said taking out his dual sickles in a backhand grip.

"Your right." Lee said putting his arms together. "One way or another...the next move will end this match." Lee then began to use his trump card the eight inner gates surprising Kakashi.

"His eyes, that stance...Guy, did you teach him how to open the eight inner gates!?"

"I did." Guy replied.

"I could literally start lecturing you on how reckless that is Guy, but I must know. How many gates is Lee capable of opening?" Unohana asked.

"So far he is at the 5th Gate."

"What!" Said a shocked Kakashi.

"Oh my." Unohana said shaking her head. "I get you wanted to help Lee get stronger Guy, but the Eight Gates isn't something for a 13 year old to fool around with!"

"Excuse me, but what are the 8 Inner Gates, Unohana sensei?" Sakura asked.

"Its by definition a chakra limit breaker." Unohana began to explain. "There eight specific tenketsu in a person's chakra pathway system which limits the overall flow of chakra that goes through the body keeping it from overflowing which would increase a person's physical abilities but could cause recall damage to the body. The eight inner gates however uses Brute Force to push through those limiters increasing the flow. Those limiters are called the gate of Opening, Rest, Life, Pain, Closing, Joy, Shock, and Death. The first two gates are harmless but once you've reach the third and forth gate then you start feeling the pain."

"What happens when all the gate are opened?"

"When all 8 gates are opened, they enter the Eight inner gates formation. When achieved they will briefly be granted strength that surpasses a Hokage level Shinobi and possibly surpass even a tailed beast. But afterwards the user will inevitably die." Retsu finished leaving some of her former students shocked.

Lee has just finished opening the Gate of life and has now begun opening the Gate of pain. His hair was now standing upwards, his eyes now pure white, and his skin turned red. The aura around him was overwhelming That Koinzell's eyes actually widened. "Here I come!" In blinding speed Lee charged right at Koinzell kicking him in the air and began to hit him back and forth from different directions. Koinzell try to throw one of his scythe at Lee who dodged it effortlessly making impact the ceiling, Lee used that opportunity to strike koinzell again wrapping his waist with his bandages. In that moment Lee decided to open the 5th gate of closing. "This will end it! Hidden Lotus!" Lee pulled koinzell towards him to deliver an open-handed strike and kick there was a huge impact of wind as a huge force hit the ground. However there was nothing in the crater leaving so many confused. Lee can feel the pain in his right arm and leg when he heard something behind him, what he saw was koinzell with both his dual scythes merged into one long scythe. Without giving him time to react Koinzell swung the backhand of his scythe merging Yi into it at Lee sending him crashing down into the crater that was meant for him. Koinzell then landed on his feet breathing slightly hard while using his scythe as a crutch.

"And that should do it. Thanks to the Yi I put into that last attack Lee should not be able to find the strength to move, added to the fact that he Unleashed 5 Gates will make it even more difficult." Koinzell explained.

"Wait? What's Yi?" Naruto asked curiously.

"Yi is a combination of physical and negative energy, it has some similarities to Ki but it has more dark arts to it. One of which is a more advanced form of chi block which he did on Lee makes the body heavier, thus making it harder to move." Suzume answered before looking at Lee. "Lee put up a good fight, I can say he was faster and had some very strong attacks that could have won him the match but koinzell has been doing this since he was 8 so through his experience he knew how to handle someone like Lee."

"Suzume, there's something I need to ask." Shino turn to the small girl on his shoulder. "Was your teammate fighting at his best or was he holding back."

"...Koinzell was only fighting at half strength and He stands out more using Yi but at the start of the match up until Lee's final assault he was using Ki." The small girl whispered back. Although his facial expression didn't show it Shino was definitely surprised and Naruto also overheard it who became equally as surprised.

Just then to everyone's surprised Lee stood back up and entered his fighting stance although it was clear that he was struggling to stay up."...I..am not...finished yet."

Koinzell without turning around began to speak. "You do realize that if you keep this up you'll destroy your body, and if that happens you'll either die or never be able to be a Shinobi again."

"I am willing to take that risk." Lee said breathing hard clearly he was at his limit but he would still not give up. "My dream is to become a splendid Ninja...even without Ninjutsu or genjutsu. I will not give up until I reach that goal."

"Lee..." Guy said looking at Lee seeing how determined he was. But he could never let Lee do this, he has more than proven his capabilities to everyone here and that makes him a winner in his book. In an instant of speed Guy appeared in front of Lee embracing him. "That's enough Lee, you've done good now please rest." Hearing Guy sensei say that Lee began to fall unconscious but not before koinzell who was walking begin to say something.

"Your a Splendid ninja Lee. I would say that your the strongest Leaf genin here, so get stronger and look forward to the next time we fight." And with that Lee fell unconscious making the winner of this fight koinzell.

"Is Lee going to be okay?" Ask a worried Sakura.

"He will need rest after this but he should recover in a week or two." Unohana answered. "But just to make sure that he doesn't go pushing himself I best make sure he spends the next month and a half in recovery."

"Thank god." Tenten said in relief.

The final matchup was none other than Choji vs the final Mist Ninja Chojuro. The match was very subtle at best with Choji trying to end this with the Human Boulder technique but the nervous mist ninja countered with his sword which was none other than the Hiramekarei the double handled sword which was one of the Seven Swords of the Hidden Mist. Chojuro used his chakra to turn the sword into a hammer like weapon and literally hit choji like a baseball hitting a bat sending him flying to the wall rendering the big boned akimichi unconscious.

With the preliminary around finally over the remaining participants mine is Sasuke where now in front of the Hokage and the rest of the chunin staff. He went on to explain is that the exam will continue one month from today needing time to set up the stadium, welcome officials and delicates, and also give the participants time to prepare.

Hayate then asked for them to draw Lots indicating who they'll be facing next. After the 16 finalists announce their numbers the Lots were made.

Naruto vs Neji

Sasuke vs Gaara

Shino vs Hoki

Koinzell vs Hibachi

Hinata vs Kasumi

Suzumebachi vs Enko

Tsuru vs Shikamaru

Chojuro vs Doshu

"So my opponent is Uzumaki, Hinata's friend...perfect." Neji smirked arrogantly.

"So Neji is my next opponent huh. It's about time I knocked some sense into that smart alec." Naruto said just as eager to fight Neji.

"Sasuke Uchiha~" Gaara said in thought knowing who his next prey will be.

Shino only look towards hoki knowing he will be a difficult opponent.

"My next opponent is from tha Aburame clan. I'll need to prepare myself for those bugs." Though Hoki.

"For crying out loud! Instead of getting Naruto I'm stuck with the Freakshow from the black Spider Clan! It doesn't matter so long as I have the kote I'll still win." Hibachi said disappointed that he didn't get Naruto but smirked believing he will still win.

"If I had known I'd be stuck with the cheater I would have threw my match." Koinzell said knowing that Hibachi was cheating

"I have to fight another Mugen Tenchi Ninja! I hope lady yoruichi can help prepare me for this?!" Hinata said feeling nervous that she has to fight another Mugen Tenchi.

"So I get to face the girl that took down renga huh. This might be an interesting fight." Kazumi said in thought.

"So it's wasp versus bear. Kind of ironic when you think about it." Both Hayabusa and black spider ninja thought.

"Oh dammit, I have to fight the girl that literally took down 2 opponents!? This is such a drag." Shikamaru said not liking the idea of fighting Tsuru.

"Did I really just get the laziest person in the room as my next opponent?" Voiced Tsuru.

"Why did I have to get the guy with the fire rats!?" Chojuro said in panic.

"A mist ninja huh?... I like a challenge!" Doshu thought.

With that and a few questions the meeting was adjourned with the Hokage dismissing two participants to go home and prepare

"I can't believe it? Sasuke has to fight that guy with the sand." Sakura said in worry. She and Ino then look over to see Danki preparing to leave. "Your leaving already Danki?"

"Yes. I want to go home and start uploading the data that I got from the fights. Now that I know who's fighting who I'm going to see if I can estimate who will have the advantage in the next round." Danki responded. "If you want you guys can come by my house in the village later and see what I got so far?"

Sakura thought about it for a moment and thought this might be her way of helping Sasuke. "Thanks Danki, I think I'll do that."

"So the preliminary rounds are finally over. This one sure took longer then expected." Wasabi said talking to Ayane and Namida.

"So many teams past the second exam it's no surprise it took so long." Ayane replied. "But I have to admit those were some good fights."

"Has anyone seen Ryu and Hayate?" Namida wondered out loud.

"Hayate is probably meeting up with Kasumi and Hoki while Ryu is probably with Tsuru's team and Naruto regarding how they're going to train for the next round." Ayane answered.

"If so then we should go join them, cuz I'm ready to go home and relax." Wasabi advised with the two girls agreeing with her.

The Hayabusa team along with Naruto met up with Ryu who was waiting for them outside the Tower of death. "Congratulations to all of you for making it to the finals." Ryu congratulated.

"Thank you Master Ryu, I say we all did an exceptional job minor a few twists and turns. So what do we do now?" Tsuru asked.

"For now you can all return to your lodgings and rest up. Tomorrow you guys can take it easy because after that will be going back to the Hayabusa Village to begin training for the finals." Ryu instructed before turning to Naruto. "The same goes for you Naruto you'll be coming back with us."

"Wait? So you mean you're taking me back to the Hayabusa Village to train?" Asked Naruto.

"Of course, I'll be training both you and Tsuru so be prepared to depart." Ryu relied gained a 'yes sir' from the whiskered Shinobi. "Good, you four are dismissed."

The Leaf Village

After being dismissed by Ryu, Naruto return to the Village and headed home. Then a thought occurred to him due to the forest having no service he couldn't check any of his text or voicemails. He opened his phone to see that he had to text messages one from his mother, and one from Jiraiya. Deciding to see what his mother wanted he opened it to see that she planned to visit the leaf Village to see the finals. This made Naruto happy knowing that his mom gets to see him in the finals of the chunin exam. "I definitely have to make sure that I don't lose to Neji. I don't want to lose in front of mom. Now let's see what pervy sage wanted." Naruto open the message to read. 'Dear Naruto I'm back in the Village knowing you you've probably pass the second exam if so congratulations kid. Anyway I'm tied up with some business research and whatnot, so I'll meet up with you later to teach you a new Jutsu that may come in handy. PS; been by the house nice girlfriend you've got yourself proud of your kid.' "Research? Yeah right more like you peeping on girls for your pervy book. I've haven't seen or heard from him since October. I wonder what he's been up to these last few months? Man there is so much that happened during the last few days and so much to think about to. I need to go home and relax." Naruto said as he made it home and quickly went inside where there was a certain pinkette waiting for him.

Hyuga compound

Hinata just got out of a meeting with her father after relaying of the events of the chunin exams to him. To her surprise Hisashi was completely impressed that Hinata not only made the finals but had defeated a Mugen tenshi Ninja. When she informed him of her next opponent he advised her to continue her training under lady yoruichi as it seems that she has found the perfect instructor for her. Hinata made it outside only to find Yoruichi at the front gate waiting for her. "So what did your father say?"

"He says it's okay to continue training under you." Hinata answered.

"Good we can start tomorrow and leave early in the morning."

"Leave for where Ms Yoruichi?" Hinata asked.

"We're going to a secret training area outside the village. I'm about to teach you will need a lot of space and less distractions." Yoruichi explained.

In a different part of the village

In a secluded place away from prying eyes, Kabuto was conversing with Orochimaru on important details. "So I take it things are going smoothly, Kabuto."

"Yes my lord, they are. However I fear they might be aware that I may be a double agent. They are also aware of your return and will no doubt put the village on high alert maybe even set up a curfew." Kabuto relayed to the snake sannin.

Orochimaru only chuckle sinisterly at this. "All they know is that I'm back in the village, they still don't know what I'm planning, where I'm going to strike, or when. They don't even know that I made an alliance with the hidden Sand Village, and they would soon suspect the Hidden Mist Village and the black Spider Clan before suspecting them."

"Your right. We still have the element of surprise on our side." Kabuto said pushing up his glasses. "But what of Danzo? Is there any chance he'll interfere?"

"If I know that old warmonger he'll stay out of this and use this moment to seize control of what's left. So there no need to worry about him." Orochimaru then began to think. "But the same can't be completely said for Koharu, and Homura. What information do you have on their activities?"

"Koharu is busy trying to guarantee her little lab experiment doesn't lose in the finales, she may try to sabotage them. As for Homura he seems to be looking into stealing from the Hayabusa village...but there is also word that Unohana has began to build a case against him and may end up being exposed." Kabuto informed.

"Ahhh you can always count on those two to be up to something. This could work to our advantage, it could very well keep sarutobi and those loyal to him occupied while we continue to work unnoticed." Orochimaru suggested before looking towards Kabuto. "Speaking of which this might be a good opportunity to retrieve Sasuke while he's still recovering or at least attempt. Also tomorrow night I need you to meet up with the sand jonin to continue the discussion involving our alliance."

"Understood. And what might you be doing for the time being?" Kabuto asked.

"I need to have a final discussion with the Kazekage before the finales." Orochimaru said smiling wickedly.

End

And here's chapter 21 we are finally done with the preliminary rounds I hope you've all enjoyed the fights from beginning to end.

The next two or three chapters will mostly be Side Story the remaining participants are training for the finals.

Anyway I'll see you all later and happy holidays from Warhawk talons. Remember to leave reviews and comments!